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Coral Reef Ecosystems: Interdependence

Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object, co-developed between NOAA and NSTA, is the third of four Science Objects in the Coral Reef Ecosystems SciPack. It explores the interdependent relationships between species in the coral reef ecosystem. All populations in the reef ecosystem are a part of and depend on a global food web (a connected set of food chains) through which energy flows in one direction, from the sun into organism and eventually dissipating into the environment as heat. This food web includes ocean plants, the animals that feed on them, and the animals that feed on those animals. Energy is transferred between organisms and their environment along the way. Energy concentration diminishes at each step. The cycles of life continue indefinitely because organisms decompose after death and return food materials to the environment.

I really enjoy Science Objects. In 1-3 hours, the Coral Reef Ecosystems: Interdependence Science Object will help me re-learn, refresh, or learn for the first time some critical science concepts I will have to know to obtain my Science Educator credentials. I appreciate that I can complete them at my own pace, and that, if used as park of a SciPack, I have access to a content expert to go to for help. The NSTA Learning Center Science Objects are really beneficial!

Another great resource on Coral Reef ecosystem. This is most comprehensive presentation of an ecosystem that really needs our attention . The biotic and abiotic factors involved are components of a small but diverse microcosm.

This science object covers many of the basic ecology concepts including food chains/webs/pyramids, transfer of energy/trophic levels, cycles, succession, and symbiosis. The examples as they relate to coral reefs are very clear. There are interactives that assist in the understanding and I found the one where you can manipulate populations at various points of a food pyramid to see the effect on other predator and prey populations potentially beneficial for the classroom. Great use of the coral reef subject to covers these ecology topics.

This Science Object provides an excellent overview of the interdependence of life on a coral reef. This Science Object begins with a pretest to assess understanding before beginning. Along with excellent photos there are several interactive activities as well as animated images to explain the text. Food webs, food pyramids, several types of symbiosis and ecological succession are topics covered in this particular Science Object. Common student misconceptions are addressed as well. There is an opportunity to have the information read to you as well as a glossary to reinforce vocabulary. This is a great source of general introductory information about a coral reef that would provide a strong background foundation for either an educators or a student to learn on their own.

This resource would be very helpful for those teachers who have to teach relationships in a coral reef ecosystems. It describes many of the interdepent relationships found in various coral reef ecosystems. It goes on to explain how the relationships benefit each species and helps this ecosystem to thrive. It also helps you understand the importance of this ecosystem and the interdepence of each organism to the survival of the coral reef. It is very interesting as well as informative.